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Full Time Exercise Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Health Fitness Professional

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Associate's degree in a related field (Kinesiology, Exercise Science, etc.) or 2+ years' fitness ... full-time associates), volunteer paid time off and much more. HealthFitness is committed to ...

Associate's degree or higher in a related field (Kinesiology, Exercise Science, etc.) or 2+ years ... full-time associates), volunteer paid time off and much more. HealthFitness is committed to ...

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Full Time Exercise Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$29

$49

How much do full time exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time exercise science in Chicago, IL is $29.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $34.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in full-time exercise science roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in full-time exercise science positions often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse client needs, staying updated with evolving fitness research, and managing administrative duties alongside hands-on work. Adapting to various fitness levels and goals requires strong communication and personalized programming skills. To manage these challenges, staying organized, engaging in continuous professional development, and collaborating effectively with colleagues (such as physical therapists and nutritionists) can be very beneficial. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a supportive team environment also help create a rewarding and productive workplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full-Time Exercise Science professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full-Time Exercise Science professional, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, along with a solid understanding of human physiology and exercise techniques. Proficiency in using fitness assessment tools, exercise programming software, and certifications such as ACSM, NSCA, or NASM are often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, motivational ability, and effective communication help build client trust and support behavior change. These skills ensure safe, evidence-based programming and foster positive health outcomes for clients.

What are full time exercise science jobs?

Full time exercise science jobs are professional roles in which individuals use their knowledge of human movement, physiology, and health to help people improve their physical fitness and overall well-being. These jobs can include positions such as exercise physiologists, fitness trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and wellness coordinators. Working full time typically means a commitment of 35-40 hours per week, often in settings like gyms, hospitals, clinics, sports teams, or corporate wellness programs. Professionals in this field assess clients' fitness levels, design exercise programs, and provide education on healthy lifestyle choices.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Full Time Exercise Science jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Full Time Exercise Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Exercise Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,752 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system at UChicago Medicine as an Exercise Physiologist in our Cardiac Rehabilitation department.
As an Exercise Physiologist you will be responsible for the design and implementation of comprehensive programs for patients referred to cardiac/ pulmonary rehabilitation. Duties include supervising patient exercise sessions to ensure safe and effective treatments as well as educating patients regarding proper exercise techniques and health fitness topics to facilitate a decrease in participants' cardiac risk factors, an increase in independence with skills for management of disease and associated symptoms, and an increase in functional capacity.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Performs patient evaluations; demonstrates ability to interpret MD referrals. Identifies rehab and stress testing precautions and contraindications. Obtains all pertinent information from patient chart prior to initial evaluation, including significant past medical history, present medical surgical interventions. Demonstrates technical skill and accuracy in performing basic evaluation procedures. Demonstrate ability to recognize abnormal physiological or psychological signs and takes appropriate action• Duties include scheduling appointments, assessing risk factors for heart disease, performing sub maximal exercise test, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues
  • Demonstrates knowledge and principles of exercise prescription and clinical exercise testing by safely administering cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation treatment sessions.
  • Duties include assessing risk factors for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues.
  • Maintains education plans according to AACVPR and ACSM guidelines and in cooperation with departmental and medical leadership.
  • Maintain cardiac or pulmonary rehab records on each patient in the programs. Includes ability to create individual treatment plans (ITPs), write progress reports and discharge summaries. Also includes timely completion of outcome measures to assess program effectiveness.
  • Complies with standards and regulations of regulatory and accrediting agencies such as AACVPR, ACSM, and The Joint Commission. Demonstrates awareness and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
  • Completes all L1 and annual competencies
  • Collaborates with Supervisor, Director and Program Coordinator on program and site/system initiatives

Qualifications:
  • B.S in Exercise Science/Physiology or related field.
  • Applicants should possess a knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factor modification strategies, counseling techniques and use of educational programs and technologies as applied to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.
  • EKG interpretation skills
  • Basic computer skills to allow access to operations and patient monitoring are necessary.
  • Physical ability to demonstrate exercise techniques required
  • Requires appropriate interpersonal skills to enable positive interactions with patients/families, the multidisciplinary team and external contacts.
  • BLS
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qulifications:
  • Master's preferred with experience or training equivalent to that specified for an Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine.
  • One year experience in exercise programming, supervision and education of cardiopulmonary rehab patients desirable.

Position Details:
  • Job Type/FTE: Full-Time
  • Shift: Days
  • Unit/Department: Cardiac Rehabilitation - Hyde Park
  • Work Location: Hyde Park
  • CBA Code: Non-Union

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